KUALA LUMPUR: As the anthem of Malaysia rang through the speakers of the Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo on Sep 4, Cheah Liek Hou fixed his gaze on the national flag, his left hand raised in a salute. 

On social media, congratulations poured in for the 33-year-old, who was crowned champion of the Paralympics men’s singles SU5 (upper limb impairment). Some were curious why the southpaw used his dominant hand in the ceremony, since the gesture of respect is normally rendered with the right hand in Malaysia.